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Explore Maui Neighborhoods and Communities for Families
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For a relatively small island, Maui offers a large diversity of lifestyles and microclimates that appeal to a wide range of people.
If you would like a hot, sunny, and dry climate with a beach lifestyle, you’ll find yourself drawn to Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, or Ka’anapali.
Windsports and surfing enthusiasts are typically drawn to the windswept Northshore, where the community of Spreckelsville offers unparalleled access to extreme ocean sports and the Maui Country Club. Others are seeking a cooler, more rural, tropical rainforest setting in places like Makawao, Haiku, and Hana. Or even a relatively cold setting in upper Kula.
As you search for the ideal community for you and your family to settle down in, it's definitely important to consider how the location will impact your day-to-day life.
Maui is kind of spread out, and after living on Maui full-time for 16 years, I’ve found that finding ways to cut down on your drive time to the places you visit most can positively impact your days.
Consider Lifestyle and Convenience Factors
The convenience factor of where you live is definitely important to consider for families with children who have school, after-school activities, and fun-filled weekly schedules. Rural living can increase commute times to certain places, but even in places like Haiku or Kula, you can find just about everything you need within about 15-20 minutes.
Proximity to schools, Costco, the airport, the hospital, and other important destinations is important to consider as you get to know the different areas of Maui in full detail.
After living on West Maui for my first 7 years on Maui, I learned that West Maui can feel like its own island and presents many challenges for frequent flyers trying to get to OGG, especially during accidents or roadwork. But it does offer some of the best beaches, activities, and experiences on Maui. There will be trade-offs when choosing between different areas.
All of that being said, there is an area of Maui that is right for everyone, and sometimes priorities change over time. I have lived in several different areas on Maui over the years and have found that certain areas have been right for certain seasons of my life.
The best area for you and your family will depend on how you envision life here, but here are a few of my favorite neighborhoods for families on Maui across different price points and locations.
Launiupoko
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If you’re searching for a quiet yet upscale community, Launiupoko should be at the top of your list. This agriculturally zoned area, which is home to approximately 700 people, is conveniently located between Olowalu and Lahaina on the western end of the island.
It’s an unincorporated area that offers large agriculturally zoned lots and many gorgeous, upscale homes. The community leans into its country-like vibe by embracing panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean from many vantage points.
If you choose to live here, you’ll be close to Launiupoko Beach Park, which offers whale watching, hiking, picnicking, and water activities. Restaurants and shops are only 10 minutes away. Schools here include Lahainaluna High School, King Kamehameha III Elementary, Maui Preparatory Academy, and Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Launiupoko Homes For Sale
Moana Estates
Moana Estates is among the newer residential single-family home communities in Kihei. Here, you will find 90 plantation-style luxury homes nestled on a terraced hillside above Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. The lots are well-designed to promote privacy, and homes have been built with both one- and two-story floor plans to accommodate families of all sizes.
These floor plans range in size from 2,375 to 3,696 square feet. Families enjoy being within walking distance to Kamalii Elementary, which is regarded as one of the island’s best public schools. Moana Estates also offers a community park and trails suitable for hiking, walking, and jogging. The subdivision is walking distance to Kamaole I Beach and Kamaole II Beach Park.
Moana Estates For Sale
Kahana Ridge
Located on West Maui, Kahana Ridge is also considered one of the best neighborhoods for families on Maui. This is a larger, established community with 230 homes. It is well-positioned just off Honoapiilani Highway near Kapalua. From this location, you’ll be close to Pohaku Beach Park, Kahana Bay Beach, and numerous retail and dining opportunities in Kapalua and Kaanapali.
Because the homes sit on the side of a mountain, many residences offer spectacular ocean views. Parents appreciate numerous cul-de-sacs throughout the community, as well as a family park at the back of the neighborhood. Local schools serving this area include Lahainaluna High School, Sacred Hearts School, and Maui Prep.
Kahana Ridge For Sale
Maui Uplands
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In Makawao, there is a charming neighborhood known as Maui Uplands that only rarely has homes come on the market, and for good reason. It’s one of Upcountry Maui’s best-kept secrets in the best neighborhoods category, and homeowners are reluctant to leave this idyllic neighborhood.
In the Goldilocks zone of Upcountry, at this elevation of approximately 1,000ft above sea level and its location on the edge of the rainforest, it's a few degrees cooler than the coast. Maui Uplands also gets less rain than Haiku but more rain than Pukalani, making it just right for a wonderful climate.
The lots in Maui Uplands are agriculturally zoned and typically around a half acre each, which means you can CPR your property and/or build an ohana! It's near several great schools, Makawao Town, and is very convenient to central Maui via Haleakala Highway.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Maui Uplands For Sale
Kehalani
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Kehalani is a quiet master-planned community with many neighborhoods, including Ohia, Villas at Kehalani, Milo Court, and others, that offer numerous pedestrian paths and bike-friendly thoroughfares.
The many modern homes here are conveniently located near Pu’u Kukui Elementary School, which is recognized for its state-of-the-art technology. In addition to having a strong, tight-knit feel, the area has numerous smaller parks as well as a 13-acre county park that offers recreational sports opportunities.
The Kehalani Village Center is nearby as well. In this commercial area, you’ll find grocery and convenience store shopping.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Kehalani For Sale
Pukalani
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The small community of Pukalani is located in the Upcountry region, known for its cooler temperatures, small town vibe, and expansive views. Families are drawn to this charming area for its acclaimed schools, including Seabury, the Carden Academy, and Pukalani Elementary.
Several recreational venues in the area promote active family living. These include the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, which has a pool and sports fields, and the local country club. This community is also close to attractions, OGG airport, shopping, and other hotspots in both Kahului and Wailuku.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Pukalani For Sale
Maui Lani in Kahului
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If you’re searching for the perfect suburban environment for your family in Central Maui, one of the best neighborhoods for families on Maui is Maui Lani. Families can enjoy the benefits of quality education at award-winning Pomaikai Elementary School and Maui Waena Intermediate School.
This family-friendly community has a quiet setting, yet is only a 5-minute drive to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center and other shopping and dining spots. At the 65-acre Central Maui Regional Sports Complex, families will find a playground and sports fields.
Spread across the nine subdivisions in Maui Lani are numerous parks and walking paths. Maui Lani, like Kehalani, is a master planned community with a variety of subdivisions and neighborhoods.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Maui Lani For Sale
Mahana Estates
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Situated in the Kapalua Resort, Mahana Estates balances modern luxury design with a fabulous location and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. This gated community, which features homes with four to six bedrooms, is only a couple of miles from Maui Preparatory Academy.
Residents in Mahana Estates and Plantation Estates in Kapalua benefit from access to all of the resort’s amenities, including tennis courts, golf courses, a pool, and others. Mahana Estates is a short drive from the famous surf and snorkel destination, Honolua Bay, and from the restaurants and shops at Whaler's Village.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Mahana Estates For Sale
Hoku'ula in Hali'imaile
In Upcountry Maui in Hali'imaile near Makawao, you will find the newest family-friendly community of Hoku'ula. There are 196 homes here, situated on sprawling lots, each with large yards for children to play in. Many homes have ohana living and large lanais to expand living space.
This master-planned community, just below Baldwin Ranch Estates, is within walking distance of Hali’imaile Park, which has tennis and basketball courts, a gym, a baseball field, and a youth center. With a short and scenic drive, you can reach Makawao Elementary and Seabury Hall.
Hokuula For Sale
Haiku
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Haiku has a distinctly country vibe thanks to its large agricultural lots and a lusher, greener look than the South and West Sides of Maui. There is a wide variety of properties in Haiku, ranging from epic coastal estates on large acreage to working farms supplying produce to local markets and grocery stores to smaller subdivisions with a more residential feel.
This tight-knit community is also home to renowned schools like Roots School and Haiku Elementary. Several spots in the community are family-oriented, including the Kalakupua Playground at Giggle Hill and the community park.
Haiku For Sale
Wailuku Heights
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Wailuku Heights is ideally situated in Central Maui at the base of the West Maui mountains. From this location, residents enjoy cool breezes and stunning views of both coasts.
The lots in this quiet neighborhood are spacious for Maui, and homes often feature large outdoor living areas. Each of the 500 homes here is custom-built, which adds to the neighborhood's upscale vibe.
While this neighborhood feels somewhat removed from the rest of the activity in Wailuku, it is only minutes from dining and shopping in Wailuku and Kahului, as well as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Children here have a variety of school options to choose from.
Wailuku Heights For Sale
Waikapu Gardens
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Waikapu Gardens is a relatively newer subdivision in Central Maui known for its secure, small-town vibe. As a planned community, its homes are modern while retaining an island vibe. A playground and walking path have been incorporated into the neighborhood's layout.
Unlike many nearby communities, the vast majority of homes here are owner-occupied, creating a more community-oriented atmosphere. From this location, you’ll be close to Waikapu Elementary, the Maui Ocean Center, the shops at Kahului, and Iao Valley State Monument for outdoor recreation.
Waikapu Gardens For Sale
Pineapple Hill
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Pineapple Hill is located in the popular Kapalua area, but it lacks the hustle and bustle of other communities. This gated community enforces quiet time overnight. Residents can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to nearby beaches, shops, and the airport.
Reduced rates at the Kapalua golf courses are available for residents. The amenities at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Bay Beach, Napili Bay Beach, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and the Kapalua Village are also a few minutes away.
No listings were found matching your search criteria.Pineapple Hill For Sale
Find the Perfect Neighborhood For Your Family on Maui
As you explore the best neighborhoods for families on Maui in greater detail, keep in mind the specific characteristics, lifestyle, and community niche you want for your family.
With numerous excellent communities to choose from, you could easily find a few neighborhoods to narrow down your search for a new home. If I can ever be of help along the search, feel free to give me a call at 808-214-4799.
Evan Harlow ranks among the best real estate agents on Maui annually and is in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide in production. Evan has the expertise,
experience, and work ethic to help you achieve your real estate buying and selling goals. We promise
exceptional service and support from the beginning of the process through closing and beyond. See what Evan's clients are saying on Google. Get In Touch With Evan!
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Posted by Evan Harlow R(S) on
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